Method to stop bleeding, with short hemostasis duration using a low dose of anticoagulant

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methods and devices for obtaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery by compressing the uninstrumented ulnar artery to increase radial artery flow. The device comprises a band having an inflatable bladder for applying blunt pressure to the ulnar artery. The method comprises applying a pressure to the homolateral ulnar artery and applying a pressure to the radial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the access site. The method further comprises administering an anticoagulant to a patient at a dose ranging from about 20 units per kg of body weight to about 30 units per kg of body weight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/829,317, filed Mar. 25, 2020, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/924,273, filed Mar. 18, 2018, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,639,042 issued May 5, 2020, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/426,056, filed Feb. 7, 2017, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,949,738 issued Apr. 24, 2018, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/340,023,filed Nov. 1, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,592,060 issued Mar. 14, 2017,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/062,150,filed Mar. 6, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,510,838 issued Dec. 6, 2016,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/941,219,filed Jul. 12, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,308,000 issued Apr. 12, 2016.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to transracial catheterization methodsand devices used in said methods. In particular, the invention concernsa method of obtaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery bycompressing the un-instrumented ulnar artery to increase radial arteryflow while applying pressure to the radial artery access site. Theinvention further concerns a device for applying blunt pressure to theulnar artery, and a method of use.

b. Description of Related Art

Radial artery instrumentation is becoming increasingly prevalent withcardiovascular procedures performed via transradial access, providingimprovement in outcomes, cost, as well as comfort. Radial arteryocclusion refers to the blockage of the radial artery. Radial arteryocclusion is a consequence of radial artery cannulation, whichobliterates the radial artery lumen, making it not available for accessin the future.

After instrumentation, it is necessary to compress the radial artery atthe access site to obtain hemostasis of the cannulation wound. Thecannulation wound is an opening of the wall of the radial artery.Hemostasis of the cannulation (or sheath) wound is accomplished byapplying blunt pressure to the radial artery at the cannulation woundsite, or access site. The application of this blunt pressure on theradial artery often causes the artery to occlude or close, therebydenying bloodflow further downstream within the radial artery.Maintaining blood flow in the radial artery while compressing the accesssite, after instrumentation, reduces the risk of post-instrumentationradial artery occlusion. Patent hemostasis is therefore understood tomean achieving the cessation of bleeding at the cannulation wound(access site) of the radial artery, while blood is allowed to flowthrough the artery.

The following references are representative of the field pertaining tothe present invention:

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,026 to Mick describes right and leftcoronary catheters that are designed to be used in a transradialcoronary catheterization. Also discussed are methods of inserting thecatheters into a right or left coronary artery by a transradialapproach.

In an article entitled Efficacy and Safety of Transient Ulnar ArteryCompression to Recanalize Acute Radial Artery Occlusion AfterTransradial Catheterization (Am J Cardiol 2011; 107:1698-1701) IvoBernat, MD, and others, discuss a method directed to open an occludedradial artery after the radial artery becomes occluded. In the case ofradial artery occlusion, 3-4 hours after hemostasis of the radialartery, ulnar artery compression was applied to attempt recanalizationof radial artery. Bernat et. al. verified reopening of the radial arteryby administration of heparin and compression of the ulnar artery.

Transradial access is being increasingly used because of its ability toreduce access-site complications and increase patient comfort. Whileperforming transradial catheterization, upon introduction of theintroducer sheath or catheter into the radial artery, it is bestpractice to administer anticoagulant, e.g., unfractionated heparin,bivalirudin or Enoxaparin, to assist in the prevention of radial arteryocclusion, even when the catheterization procedure itself wouldotherwise not require it. Anticoagulants may also be referred to asblood thinners. The prophylactic effect of an anticoagulant such asunfractionated heparin to reduce the occurrence of radial arteryocclusion is dose-dependent with significantly better efficacy withhigher doses. With the administration of 5000 units of unfractionatedheparin or alternatively 50 units per kilogram (kg) of body weight,radial artery occlusion rates have been reported in the range of 4-5%.Doses of heparin to be administered are generally expressed in units ofheparin per kg of body weight. A conventional dose of unfractionatedheparin during a transradial catheterization procedure is about 50 unitsper kg of body weight. A conventional dose of other anticoagulants, suchas Bivalirudin or Enoxaparin is the equivalent of 50 units ofunfractionated heparin per kg of body weight.

In view of the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin, whicheffect typically exceeds the duration of the cardiovascular procedure,the patient is systemically anticoagulated with observed activatedclotting times of approximately 200-225 seconds, while undergoinghemostasis. Optimally, a minimum duration of about 120 minutes ofcompression at the radial artery access site is required to achievehemostasis.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A present invention method of catheterization of the radial arterydirected at minimizing occurrences of radial artery occlusion isdisclosed. The method comprises inserting a sheath into the radialartery of a patient at an access site. The desired catheterizationprocedure is then performed using the sheath to access the radialartery. Once the catheterization procedure is complete, an ulnarpressure is applied to the homolateral ulnar artery at an ulnar pressuresite while the sheath remains inserted in the radial artery. The sheathis then removed from the radial artery while maintaining the ulnarpressure to the ulnar artery. Once the sheath is removed, and whilecontinuing to apply the ulnar pressure, pressure is applied to theradial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the accesssite.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of “applying a pressure to theradial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the accesssite” is accomplished while maintaining the ulnar pressure to the ulnarartery.

In an embodiment, of the present invention, a further step includesconfirming that, the step of applying ulnar pressure has reduced bloodflow through the ulnar artery by monitoring flow of the ulnar arteryprior to and after applying the ulnar pressure. In a further embodiment,monitoring flow of the ulnar artery includes sensing skin blood flowand/or pulsation at a fingertip or other location downstream of theulnar pressure site. Digital plethysmography is employed in a preferredembodiment.

In another embodiment, the method further includes confirming patency ofthe radial artery during the step of applying a pressure to the radialartery by sensing skin blood flow and/or pulsation at a fingertip orother location downstream of the access site. In this embodiment, thesensing is performed while the ulnar artery is fully compressed(allowing no flow through the ulnar artery) and/or partially compressed(allowing less flow than when not compressed at all). Patency isconfirmed, in an embodiment, by obtaining a metric relating to thesensing and comparing the metric with a standard metric for the patient,or with a previously-sensed metric. Preferably, the previously sensedmetric is read after the applying the ulnar pressure step and before thestep of removing the sheath from the radial artery. Digitalplethysmography is employed in a preferred embodiment. In yet anotherembodiment, the method further includes administering anticoagulant at adose lower than the conventional dose when an increased flow of blood isprovided in the artery that is punctured at the access site.

In an embodiment of the present invention method, the step ofcompressing the ulnar artery includes: providing an ulnar impinger,securing the ulnar impinger over the wrist such that the impingercontacts a first location over the ulnar artery, and activating theimpinger to press on the ulnar artery at the first location.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step ofcompressing the ulnar artery includes: providing an ulnar impingementband having an inflatable bladder, securing the ulnar impingement bandover the wrist such that the bladder contacts a first location over theulnar artery, and inflating the bladder to impinge upon the ulnar arteryat the first location.

There is further disclosed a device for use in applying a compressingforce to the ulnar artery of a patient. The device includes a trunkhaving an inflatable bladder. The trunk is defined by a lower portionand an upper portion. The bladder is defined by an expandableenvelopment existing between the lower portion and the upper portion. Apair of limbs are connected to and extend from the upper portion of thetrunk. Together, the pair of limbs and the trunk form a general Y-shape.A first limb of the pair of limbs is adapted to lay across the palm of ahand, between the thumb and the index finger and connect to the trunk tosecure the first limb to the trunk and to secure the bladder to aportion of the patient's wrist corresponding with a first location overthe ulnar artery. A second limb of the pair of limbs is adapted to layover the wrist/distal forearm and connect to the trunk. This is tosecure the second limb to the trunk and to further secure the bladder tothe first location over the ulnar artery. One or more connectors areutilized for fixing the pair of limbs to the trunk.

In use, the bladder is located at the first location over the ulnarartery, and the pair of limbs are fixed around the hand and wrist to thetrunk with the connectors. The bladder is inflated with a tube connectedto an inflator to cause the bladder to impinge upon the ulnar artery atthe first location.

There is further disclosed a device for use in applying a compressingforce to the ulnar artery of a patient. The device comprises a trunkhaving an impinger. The trunk is defined by a lower portion and an upperportion. The impinger is defined by any device sufficient to apply acompression force. A pair of limbs are connected to and extend from theupper portion of the trunk. The pair of limbs together with the trunkform a general Y-shape. A first limb of the pair of limbs is adapted tolay across the palm of a hand, between the thumb and the index finger.The first limb connects to the trunk to secure the first limb to thetrunk, and also to secure the impinger to a portion of the patient'swrist corresponding with a first location over the ulnar artery. Asecond limb of the pair of limbs is adapted to lay over the wrist/distalforearm and connect to the trunk to secure the second limb to the trunkand to further secure the bladder to the first location over the ulnarartery, One or more connectors are employed to fix the pair of limbs tothe trunk. In use, the impinger is located at the first location overthe ulnar artery. The pair of limbs are fixed around the hand and wristto the trunk with the connectors. The impinger is activated to cause thebladder to impinge upon the ulnar artery at the first location.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or are apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention and together with the detailed description serve to explainthe principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is schematic layout of methods disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ulnar impingement device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view showing the ulnar impingement device applied to apatient according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is another view showing the bladder or impinger of the ulnarimpingement device applied to a patient according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing the ulnar impingement device applied to apatient showing the top of the hand according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the ulnar impingement device shown withtrunk fastened to the pair of limbs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention is directed to a method of obtaining patent hemostasis ofthe radial artery by compressing the un-instrumented ulnar artery toincrease radial artery flow while applying pressure to the radial arteryaccess site. The invention further concerns a device for applying bluntpressure to the ulnar artery, and a method of use.

A present invention method of catheterization of the radial arterydirected at minimizing occurrences of radial artery occlusion isdisclosed. Referring to FIG. 1 specifically, and the Figures in general,the method 1000 comprises inserting a sheath into the radial artery of apatient at an access site. A sheath, as disclosed herein, is understoodto encompass any device inserted into the radial artery and used topermit the access of instrumentation into the radial artery. The desiredcatheterization procedure is then performed using the sheath to provideinstrumentation access the radial artery.

Once the catheterization procedure is complete, an ulnar pressure isapplied to the homolateral ulnar artery at an ulnar pressure site whilethe sheath remains inserted in the radial artery. The sheath is thenremoved from the radial artery while maintaining the first pressure tothe ulnar artery. Once the sheath is removed, and while continuing toapply the ulnar pressure, pressure is applied to the radial artery atthe access site to obtain hemostasis at the access site.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of “applying a pressure to theradial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the accesssite” is accomplished while maintaining the first pressure to the ulnarartery.

The radial artery and the ulnar artery are the two conduits for the flowof oxygenated blood to the hand. The arteries are interconnected andtherefore form an interdependent flow network. When flow is reduced inone of the arteries, by compression for example, flow increases in theother artery. When the ulnar artery is compressed, flow in the ulnarartery is reduced, which causes an increase in pressure and flow in theradial artery. When the radial artery is compressed, flow in the radialartery is reduced, which causes an increase in pressure and flow in theulnar artery.

In an embodiment, a further step includes confirming that theapplication of ulnar pressure has reduced blood flow through the ulnarartery. This is done by monitoring flow of the ulnar artery prior to andafter applying the ulnar pressure. In a further embodiment, monitoringflow of the ulnar artery includes sensing skin blood flow and/orpulsation at a fingertip or other location downstream of the ulnarpressure site. Digital plethysmography is employed in one embodiment.

In another embodiment, the method 1000 further includes confirmingpatency of the radial artery during the step of applying a pressure tothe radial artery. In a preferred embodiment, patency is accomplished bysensing skin blood flow and/or pulsation at a fingertip or otherlocation downstream of the access site. Other sensing locations bothupstream and downstream may be used to confirm patency of the radialartery. In the preferred embodiment, the sensing is performed while theulnar artery is fully compressed (allowing no flow through the ulnarartery) and/or partially compressed (allowing less flow than when notcompressed at all). Patency is confirmed, in an embodiment, by obtaininga metric relating to the sensing and comparing the metric with astandard metric for the patient, or with a previously-sensed metric.Metric is understood to mean a sensible, quantifiable value or reading,relating to the characteristic sensed. Preferably, the previously sensedmetric is read after the applying the ulnar pressure step and before thestep of removing the sheath from the radial artery. Digitalplethysmography is employed, in a preferred embodiment, to obtain themetrics. Other sensing modes may be employed, so long as the selectedmode is capable of confirming patency in one form or another.

In an embodiment of the present invention method 1000, the step ofcompressing the ulnar artery includes: providing an ulnar impinger,securing the ulnar impinger over the wrist such that the impingercontacts a first location over the ulnar artery, and activating theimpinger to press on the ulnar artery at the first location. In apreferred embodiment, the first location is over the Guyon's canal,demarcated by pisiform bone on the medial aspect, directly over theulnar artery pulse.

Impinger is understood to include any device capable of applying a forceto the ulnar artery, whether alone or part of a system, sufficient tocompress the ulnar artery. One exemplary class includes mechanicaldevices that expand in size to cause a band surrounding the wrist toconstrict an object to compress the ulnar artery. Another exemplaryclass of impingers includes mechanical devices that constrict a bandworn around the wrist sufficient to cause an object to press on theulnar artery.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of compressing the ulnar arteryincludes: providing an ulnar impingement band having an inflatablebladder, securing the ulnar impingement band over the wrist such thatthe bladder contacts a first location over the ulnar artery, andinflating the bladder to impinge upon the ulnar artery at the firstlocation.

Turning to the Figures generally, and particularly FIGS. 2-6, there isfurther disclosed a device 11 for use in applying a compressing three tothe ulnar artery of a patient. The device 11 includes a trunk 13 havingan inflatable bladder 15. The trunk 13 is defined by a lower portion 13a and an upper portion 13 b. The bladder 15 is defined by an envelopment17 existing between the lower portion 13 a and the upper portion 13 b. Apair of limbs 19 are connected to and extend from the upper portion 13 bof the trunk 13, Together, the pair of limbs 19 and the trunk 13 form ageneral Y-shape. Preferably, the pair of limbs 19 and the trunk 13 areplanar and form a shape band. A first limb 19 a of the pair of limbs 19is adapted to lay across the palm of a hand, between the thumb and theindex finger. The first limb 19 a is adapted to connect to the trunk 13for securing the first limb 19 a to the trunk 13 and for securing thebladder 15 to a portion of the patient's wrist corresponding with afirst location 25 over the dinar artery. A second limb 19 b of the pairof limbs 19 is adapted to lay over the wrist/distal forearm and connectto the trunk 13. This is to secure the second limb 19 b to the trunk 13and to further secure the bladder 15 to the first location 25 over theulnar artery. One or more connectors 21 are utilized for fixing the pairof limbs 19 to the trunk 13. In a preferred embodiment, the connector isVelcro.

In use, the bladder 15 is located at the first location 25 over theulnar artery, and the pair of limbs 19 are fixed around the hand andwrist to the trunk 13 with the connectors 21. The bladder 15 is inflatedwith a tube connected to an inflator to cause the bladder 15 to impingeupon the ulnar artery at the first location 25.

There is further disclosed a device 13 for use in applying a compressingforce to the ulnar artery of a patient. The device 13 comprises a trunk13 having an impinger 23. The trunk 13 is defined by a lower portion 13a and an upper portion 13 h. The impinger 23 is defined by any devicesufficient to apply a compression force. Examples include expandingsprings, expanding screw-type appurtenances, or other devices andsystems as discussed herein. A pair of limbs 19 are connected to andextend from the upper portion 13 b of the trunk 13. The pair of limbs 19together with the trunk 13 form a general Y-shape. A first limb 19 a ofthe pair of limbs 19 is adapted to lay across the palm of a hand,between the thumb and the index finger. The first limb 19 a connects tothe trunk 13 to secure the first limb 19 a to the trunk 13, and also tosecure the impinger 23 to a portion of the patient's wrist correspondingwith a first location 25 over the ulnar artery. A second limb 19 b ofthe pair of limbs 19 is adapted to lay over the wrist/distal forearm andconnect to the trunk 13 to secure the second limb 19 h to the trunk 13and to further secure the impinge 23 to the first location over theulnar artery. One or more connectors 21 are employed to fix the pair oflimbs 19 to the trunk 13. In use, the impinger 23 is located at thefirst location 25 over the ulnar artery. The pair of limbs 19 are fixedaround the hand and wrist to the trunk 13 with the connectors 21. Theimpinger 23 is activated to cause the impinger 23 to impinge upon theulnar artery at the first location 25.

In another embodiment of the present invention method 1000, anintroducer sheath and/or a catheter is placed in a radial artery aftersterile preparation as well as with administration of local anesthetic.The radial artery is punctured at an access site and, after placement ofa guidewire, either an introducer sheath or a catheter is introduced inthe radial artery lumen. The catheterization procedure is performed in amanner deemed appropriate by the operator.

In one embodiment, the present invention method further comprisesadministering an anticoagulant at any time after introduction of thecatheter or introducer sheath and before removal of the catheter or theintroducer sheath. In another embodiment, an anticoagulant isadministered before the introduction of the catheter or introducersheath. Examples of anticoagulants include, without limitation,unfractionated heparin, bivalirudin or Enoxaparin. In one embodimentwherein a method for obtaining patent hemostasis at an access site of anartery comprises increasing the flow of blood in the artery that ispunctured at the access site, unfractionated heparin is administered ata dose that is lower than the conventional dose. The flow of blood maybe increased in the radial artery if the radial artery is punctured forcatheterization, the ulnar artery if the ulnar artery is punctured forcatheterization, or any other artery that is punctured at an accesssite. Another coagulant may also be used at a dose that is lower thanthe conventional dose. An anticoagulant may be selected from a groupcomprising heparin, dalteparin, Fragmin®, danaparoid, enoxaparin,unfractionated heparin, other low molecular weight heparin, directthrombin inhibitors including hirudin, argatroban, bivalirudin and allsubstances derived from and/or related to the foregoing substances.

In one embodiment, the anticoagulant is unfractionated heparin and thedosage of the unfractionated heparin is less than 50 units per kilogramof body weight, administered parenterally. In yet another embodiment,the dosage of unfractionated heparin is about 25 units per kilogram ofbody weight. In another embodiment, the dosage of unfractionated heparinis less than 25 units per kilogram of body weight. In yet anotherembodiment, the dosage of unfractionated heparin is in the range of20-40 units per kilogram of body weight. In another embodiments, thedosage of unfractionated heparin is in the range of 15-30 units perkilogram of body weight.

After completion of the catheterization procedure, the present inventionmethod comprises applying hemostatic compression to the access siteusing a device. In one embodiment, the device is a band having at leasttwo inflatable bladders wherein one inflatable bladder is used to applycompressive hemostatic pressure at the access site on the radial artery,and a second inflatable bladder is used to apply an ulnar pressure at anulnar pressure site. In another embodiment, a device such as an impingerthat is capable of applying a mechanical compressive force is used toapply the ulnar pressure. In yet another embodiment, a band with atleast one inflatable bladder is used to apply compressive hemostaticpressure at the access site on the radial artery, and another device isused to apply ulnar pressure at an ulnar pressure site. Manualcompression may also be used.

In one embodiment of the present invention method, wherein ananticoagulant such as unfractionated heparin is administered to apatient, the method further comprises applying hemostatic compressionfor a time less than 120 minutes. In another embodiment, the hemostaticcompression time is about 60 minutes. In yet another embodiment, thehemostatic compression time is less than 60 minutes. In one embodiment,during the hemostatic compression time when the radial artery iscompressed at the access site, the ipsilateral ulnar artery is alsocompressed simultaneously. In another embodiment, the ipsilateral ulnarartery is compressed continuously during the entire hemostaticcompression time. In yet another embodiment, the ipsilateral ulnarartery is compressed continuously for only a part of the hemostaticcompression time. In another embodiment, the ulnar artery is compressedintermittently during the hemostatic compression time. In someembodiments, the ulnar artery may be compressed fully, and in otherembodiments, the ulnar artery may be compressed partially.

In one embodiment of present invention, a method of obtaining hemostasisof a radial artery of a patient after performing a catheterizationprocedure at an access site of the radial artery, comprises performingthe following steps: (a) applying a hemostatic pressure to the radialartery at the access site; (b) providing an increased flow of blood inthe radial artery; (c) administering a dose of unfractionated heparin tothe patient; and (d) maintaining simultaneously the hemostatic pressureand the increased flow of blood in the radial artery; wherein step (b)comprises applying an ulnar pressure to an ulnar artery at an ulnarpressure site; and wherein step (c) comprises administering the dose ofunfractionated heparin that is less than 50 units per kg body weight.

In another embodiment of present invention, a method of obtaininghemostasis of an artery of a patient after performing a catheterizationprocedure at an access site of the artery, comprises performing thefollowing steps: (i) applying a hemostatic pressure to the artery at theaccess site; (ii) providing an increased flow of blood in the artery;(iii) administering a dose of unfractionated heparin to the patient; and(iv) maintaining simultaneously the hemostatic pressure and theincreased flow of blood in the artery for a duration of time; whereinstep (iii) comprises administering the dose of unfractionated heparinthat is less than 50 units per kg body weight; and wherein the durationof time in step (iv) is less than 120 minutes.

In yet another embodiment of present invention, a method of obtaininghemostasis of a radial artery of a patient after performing acatheterization procedure at an access site of the radial artery,comprising performing the following steps: (A) applying a hemostaticpressure to the radial artery at the access site; (B) providing anincreased flow of blood in the radial artery; (C) administering a doseof an anticoagulant to the patient; and (D) maintaining simultaneouslythe hemostatic pressure and the increased flow of blood in the radialartery for a duration of time; wherein step (B) comprises applying anulnar pressure to an ulnar artery at an ulnar pressure site; wherein thedose of the anticoagulant in step (C) is less than an equivalent of 50units of unfractionated heparin per kg of body weight; and wherein theduration of time in step (D) is less than 120 minutes.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a hemostatic pressure on theradial artery is applied using a first band comprising at least oneinflatable bladder, wherein the inflatable bladder of the first bandapplies the hemostatic pressure at the access site, and the ulnarpressure is applied using a technique selected from a group consistingof (i) a second band comprising at least one inflatable bladder, whereinthe inflatable bladder of the second band applies a pressure at theulnar pressure site, (ii) a mechanical device applies a compressingforce at the ulnar pressure site; (iii) manual pressure is applied atthe ulnar pressure site.

In one embodiment, after about 60 minutes of compression of the radialartery at the access site, the pressure of compression is graduallyreduced and weaned off from the radial artery access site, and the siteis lightly dressed. The duration of reducing the compression and weaningoff the hemostatic compression pressure is in the range of 5-10 minutes.This technique improves patient comfort and increases the number ofpatients who can be treated.

1. A method of obtaining patent hemostasis of a radial artery of apatient when performing a catheterization procedure at an access site ofthe radial artery, comprising performing the following steps: (a)administering a dose of anticoagulant to the patient during thecatheterization procedure, wherein the dose of anticoagulant is lessthan an equivalent of 50 units of unfractionated heparin per kg of bodyweight; (b) applying a compressive pressure to the radial artery at theaccess site for a duration of time, wherein the duration of time isabout 60 minutes; (c) attaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery;wherein step (a) precedes all other steps, the compressive pressure tothe radial artery in step (b) is gradually reduced after about 60minutes of compression of the radial artery at the access site.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising a step of monitoring and/orconfirming patency of the radial artery, the step of monitoring and/orconfirming patency of the radial artery being performed by sensing skinblood flow and/or pulsation at a finger-tip or other location downstreamof the access site.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step ofconfirming patency includes the use of digital plethysmography.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein performing the catheterization procedurecomprises using a sheath to access the radial artery.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein step (a) comprises administering anticoagulant at anytime after introduction of a catheter or an introducer sheath and beforeremoval of the catheter or the introducer sheath.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein step (a) comprises administering anticoagulant at any timebefore introduction of a catheter and/or an introducer sheath.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, where the anticoagulant is selected from a groupconsisting of: heparin, dalteparin, danaparoid, enoxaparin,unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin, direct thrombininhibitors including hirudin, argatroban, bivalirudin, and combinationsor derivatives thereof.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the dose ofanticoagulant in step (a) is less than an equivalent of 25 units ofunfractionated heparin per kg of body weight.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the compressive pressure to the radial artery is applied using afirst band comprising at least a first inflatable bladder, the firstinflatable bladder applying a compressive pressure to the radial arteryat the access site.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprisingapplying an ulnar pressure to an ipsilateral ulnar artery at an ulnarpressure site.
 11. The method of claim 4, further comprising applying anulnar pressure to an ipsilateral ulnar artery while the sheath remainsinserted in the radial artery
 12. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising applying a compressive pressure to an ipsilateral ulnarartery using at least a second inflatable bladder, the first bandcomprising the second inflatable bladder.
 13. The method of claim 10,wherein the ulnar pressure site is a Guyon's canal.
 14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein applying the ulnar pressure to the ipsilateral ulnarartery comprises: providing a band having an inflatable bladder,securing the band over a wrist such that the bladder contacts the ulnarpressure site, and inflating the bladder to compress the ipsilateralulnar artery at the ulnar pressure site.
 15. The method of claim 10,wherein the ulnar pressure is applied using a technique selected from agroup consisting of (i) a second band comprising at least a secondinflatable bladder, wherein the second bladder applies the ulnarpressure, (ii) a mechanical device applies a compressing force at theulnar pressure site; (iii) manual pressure is applied at the ulnarpressure site.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein applying the ulnarpressure to the ulnar artery compresses the ulnar artery partially orfully.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the ulnar pressure is appliedintermittently.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the ulnar pressureis applied continuously.
 19. A method of obtaining patent hemostasis ofa radial artery of a patient when performing a catheterization procedureat an access site of the radial artery, comprising performing thefollowing steps: (a) administering a dose of anticoagulant to thepatient during the catheterization procedure, wherein the dose ofanticoagulant is less than an equivalent of 50 units of unfractionatedheparin per kg of body weight; (b) applying a compressive pressure tothe radial artery at the access site for a duration of time, wherein theduration of time is about 60 minutes; (c) monitoring and/or confirmingpatency of the radial artery, the step of monitoring and/or confirmingpatency of the radial artery being performed by sensing skin blood flowand/or pulsation at a finger-tip or other location downstream of theaccess site; (d) attaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery;wherein step (a) precedes all other steps, the compressive pressure tothe radial artery in step (b) is reduced after about 60 minutes ofcompression of the radial artery at the access site; wherein step (a)comprises administering anticoagulant at any time after introduction ofa catheter or an introducer sheath and before removal of the catheter orthe introducer sheath; and wherein the compressive pressure to theradial artery is applied using a first band comprising at least a firstinflatable bladder, the first inflatable bladder applying a compressivepressure to the radial artery at the access site.
 20. A method ofobtaining patent hemostasis of a radial artery of a patient whenperforming a catheterization procedure at an access site of the radialartery, comprising performing the following steps: (e) administering adose of anticoagulant to the patient during the catheterizationprocedure, wherein the dose of anticoagulant is less than an equivalentof 50 units of unfractionated heparin per kg of body weight; (f)applying a compressive pressure to the radial artery at the access sitefor a duration of time, wherein the duration of time is about 60minutes; (g) monitoring and/or confirming patency of the radial artery,the step of monitoring and/or confirming patency of the radial arterybeing performed by sensing skin blood flow and/or pulsation at afinger-tip or other location downstream of the access site; (h)attaining patent hemostasis of the radial artery; wherein step (a)precedes all other steps, the compressive pressure to the radial arteryin step (b) is reduced after about 60 minutes of compression of theradial artery at the access site; wherein step (a) comprises whereinstep (a) comprises administering anticoagulant at any time beforeintroduction of a catheter and/or an introducer sheath; and wherein thecompressive pressure to the radial artery is applied using a first bandcomprising at least a first inflatable bladder, the first inflatablebladder applying a compressive pressure to the radial artery at theaccess site.